Arab News Japan

TOKYO: Qatar Ambassador to Japan Hassan Al-Emadi hosted a reception in Tokyo on Thursday to celebrate his country’s National Day.

Al-Emadi noted that this year’s celebration coincided with the FIFA World Cup that is currently taking place in Qatar.

“The State of Qatar has succeeded in hosting the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 in a wonderful way that impressed the whole world and shed light on the unity and culture of the people of Qatar to the world.

“We are proud and grateful for the support and praise from all friends and partners, especially our Japanese friends, who have played a huge role in the success of the tournament, by contributing significantly to the infrastructure projects.”

The ambassador congratulated the Samurai Blue team for their “great performance during the tournament, and also commended the role of the Japanese fans who set a great example of discipline.”

Ambassador Al-Emadi added that Qatar’s National Day “is a day of pride under the wise leadership of Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani, ruler of State of Qatar (may God protect him), the leader of the path of achievement, development and a promising future.”

“Our bilateral relations with Japan, which extend back to half a century ago, constitute a model of cooperation, friendship and common interests. In March 2022, the two countries celebrated the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries, which have developed into a comprehensive strategic partnership.”

TAKEI Shunsuke, State Minister for Foreign Affairs, informed that bilateral relations are strong.  He said, “On behalf of the Government of Japan, I would like to extend my heartfelt congratulations to Your Excellency Ambassador Al-Emadi, the people of Qatar and all those present. This year marks the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Japan and Qatar. The two countries have been reliable partners in various aspects including the energy sector for the past 50 years. Qatar is Japan’s most trusted energy supplier.”

YAMAGUCHI Natsuo, representative of Komeito, the ruling Liberal Democratic Party’s coalition partner in government, noted that through soccer, Japan has replaced a sad memory of Doha – when it conceded a last-minute goal in a crucial World Cup qualifier in 1993 – with an overwhelmingly positive one: “The Japanese National Team was also able to make new history during this tournament. What was once referred to as the ‘Tragedy of Doha’ is now the ‘Joy of Doha’ thanks to the Qatari people supporting the tournament. I would like to express my sincere appreciation once again to the Qatari people.”

The LDP’s KIHARA Minoru, a member of the House of Representatives, also offered his congratulations and looked ahead to a bright future for Qatar.

“I would also like to offer my congratulations and strongly believe that our amicable relationship shall continue in the future,” he said.

“I would recognize that the World Cup has been a successful opportunity for the people of Qatar to demonstrate their inclusion of diversity as global citizens. I wish Qatar to become a central part of creating a world with new universal values.”

Arabic music and food accompanied the festivities and a real World Cup ball and a mock-up of the World Cup trophy were displayed.